In this full day pre-conference session, participants will be introduced to key ideas of the Meaningful Physical Education (MPE) approach in the morning, then use their learning as a springboard to dive into reflective practice and practitioner research in the afternoon. MPE embraces the ways physical education can improve the quality of life for young people by finding joy in movement.

In the morning we will present evidence from both research and practice to support the features and principles of MPE. Participants will have opportunities to listen to stories from practice, interact with pedagogical cases and explore MPE based on their own context. The afternoon will engage participants in the shallow end of reflective practice with key concepts, ideas followed by practicing with peer coaching to get them comfortable. We will then move to the deep end where we will inquire into staying afloat professionally using modes of practitioner research targeted on growth and improvement. The day will wrap up with an interactive live podcast.

Presenters

Dr. Douglas Gleddie is an Associate Professor and Acting Vice-Dean, Associate Dean – Academic in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. In a career filled with change, the only true constants have been physical activity/education, working with kids and, how joy fills the spaces in between. Although it took him a while to fully embrace this epiphanal thought, the journey itself has enabled Doug to work with a wide variety of people and organizations across Canada and around the world. Read more.

Andy Vasily is a leading educator who has worked at International Baccalaureate schools in 5 different countries over the past 18 years. He completed his teacher training at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. Andy is currently a pedagogical coordinator at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia. He is a certified cognitive coach and works closely with teachers helping them to deepen their practice. Read more.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Participants will develop an understanding of meaningful physical education and contextual implementation.

Participants will evaluate their own programs from perspectives of meaning and growth.

Participants will learn about reflective practice and modes of practitioner research in physical education.